It was in the original plans when Joyce Park was moved out to its current location from where Hy-Vee now sits, that there would be soccer fields constructed. That never came to pass, but one group came to the city’s Tumelty/Joyce Park Commission on Wednesday to discuss a plan to put two fields out there.
Jeff Bair with the Keokuk Youth Soccer Association said in 2019, he spoke with the mayor at the time, Tom Richardson, about getting a project going to put in two fields out there.
“Then 2020 happened,” Bair told the commission members.
He said Richardson seemed on board with the idea, but then the soccer group found out this commission was the place to start. Bair said the fields are needed for local soccer players.
“Kids have to go to Quincy or Burlington, or join a traveling soccer team,” he said.
Bair said the group has companies in Keokuk ready to help out with getting the fields constructed.
Keokuk Public Works Director Brian Carroll asked if the soccer organization would be leasing the land from Keokuk. He said the city has a 28E agreement with the school district for use of the ball fields.
Bair said they want to see everyone work together for use of the field. The organization wants to offer something to the Keokuk youth interested in the growing sport of soccer.
The fields could lead to soccer tournaments being held there, bringing economic benefit to Keokuk as well.
Commission Member Steve Worster asked if there was enough parking to hold tournaments there. Bair said that is something they are still studying. Once a rough layout of two fields is made, they can see what kind of space there is left for parking.
Teresa Murray, with the Keokuk Saddle Club, was at the meeting and mentioned the saddle club had been willing to not hold events the same time as a soccer tournament to alleviate parking issues.
Curt Dial, also with the Keokuk Youth Soccer Association, said the fields would give Keokuk youth the opportunity to play year-round. He said the soccer players need to be able to do that, to work on and improve their skills at times other than soccer season. He said the organization has been able to use the Keokuk High School’s practice field, but it is not in the best shape, so they would like to be able to have these fields to also practice on.
Worster said as a coach himself, he is all for the idea.
The commission approved the pursuit of the idea. There will be some work to do, such as if there will be a lease required and that amount, along with getting finances together to construct the fields.
